Mile Jedinak then put Australia in dreamland after the break with a successful penalty to put the Socceroos 2-1 up.

But a Robin van Persie goal and Memphis Depay's long-range finish ultimately secured a 3-2 win for the Dutch, in a heartbreaking result that sees Australia eliminated from the World Cup after Chile beat Spain 2-0.

I said to the players today was about trying to play our kind of football, and if they are going to underestimate us we are going to punish them.

Ange Postecoglou

"It's bitterly disappointing for the players - they were magnificent. They took it to a world-class team," coach Ange Postecoglou said.

"It's easy for me to talk about going forward and having self-belief, but they are the ones that have got to do it.

"Full credit to them, but I feel bitterly disappointed they weren't able to get something out of it.

"I still think people look at us and predict the way we are going to play, but we will change those perceptions over time.

"I said to the players today was about trying to play our kind of football, and if they are going to underestimate us we are going to punish them.

"I really want us to be an exciting team, but it's the players that have to do it, and they were magnificent."

Despite the loss, the Socceroos again impressed on the world stage, belying their status as the tournament's lowest-ranked team, and like they did at times against Chile, outperformed a Dutch side that had previously walloped Spain 5-1.

After a positive opening, a mistake from Alex Wilkinson saw Robben race into space before burying his shot past Mat Ryan at the far post for the opener on 20 minutes.

But rather than letting their heads drop, the Socceroos responded barely 60 seconds later when Cahill received a looping ball over his shoulder, before volleying it past Jasper Cillessen with a sumptuous left-footed volley.

Australia then took the lead after a Daryl Janmaat handball in the box, allowing captain Jedinak to slot home under pressure from the penalty spot.

Group B

But no lead was to last long in this match, with van Persie levelling the game at 2-2 with a typically wicked left-footed drive.

Substitute winger Depay then lashed home a finish from distance to put the Dutch 3-2 up.

Depay's goal came just moments after an Australian break which saw Tommy Oar drill a cross straight at Mathew Leckie, who could only push the ball towards goal at pace with his chest, rather than his head.

The Netherlands had another chance on 74 minutes when van Persie jinked into the Australian area before offloading to Nigel de Jong, whose shot was excellently saved at close range by Mat Ryan.

Australia scrambled to fashion one last chance before full-time, but the Netherlands closed out the match to hold on for their first ever victory over Australia.